CoverGirl LipPerfection Transformation Challenge - Final Thoughts

This video is the final installment in my COVERGIRL LipPerfection Transformation Challenge series. If you're late to the partay, be sure to check out part 1 and part deux before watching the video.

COVERGIRL LipPefection is available at drugstores and mass market retailers.

*COVERGIRL is compensating me for my time and participation in the LipPerfection Transformation Challenge; however, all opinions shared are my own.

CoverGirl LipPerfection Transformation Challenge Update

I'm back with with an update to my CoverGirl LipPerfection Transformation Challenge. It's day six, and I've already noticed an improvement in the texture of my lips. I haven't applied lip balm since the I started this challenge, and my lips don't miss it. And this speaks volumes because I am a lip balm addict, usually slathering it on several times daily.

Since I started wearing CoverGirl LipPerfection exclusively, my lips have been slightly more hydrated - and MUCH smoother. Typically, before I apply lipstick, I have to exfoliate my lips because the lipstick exaggerates every flaw. But this lipcolor lets me skip that step.

Day two was a warm Spring day in Philadelphia, so I was thinking pink. I chose "Delight," a sparkly pink that wore nicely all day long and made me smile when I caught glimpse of my reflection that afternoon. On days three and four, I rocked a red pout - LipPerfection shade "Hot Passion" (seen below). I think that this may become my signature scarlet lip. I kept the rest of my face relatively bare and let my lips be the main attraction. I usually reserve a red lip for special occasions, but this shade looked so pretty (not to mention juicy) that I've added it to the regular rotation.

After two days of channeling Gwen Stefani, I decided to play it a little more low key - and opted for more natural shades...so I wore "Hypnotic" and "Captivate" on days five and six.

LipPerfection's "Silk Moisturizing Complex" promises to improve lip condition in just 7 days, but I've seen and feel a noticeable difference already. I'll be back soon with a recap of my week-long love affair with LipPerfection. Watch out, Angelina.

*COVERGIRL is compensating me for my time and participation in the LipPerfection Transformation Challenge; however, all opinions shared are my own.

CoverGirl LipPerfection Transformation Challenge

Back in February, I had an opportunity to test COVERGIRL's newest lipstick, LipPerfection lipcolor. LipPerfection does double duty – while drenching your pout in rich, creamy color, it performs like a treatment. Silk therapy moisturizers hydrate and smooth dry lips. So, the more you wear it, the better your lips look and feel. COVERGIRL promises the product's "Silk Moisturizing Complex" provides smooth gorgeous color and sustained levels of moisture to actually improve lip condition in just 7 days.

After testing it out for a few days, off and on, I was so impressed by the flattering shades, staying power and unique formula that I included it in a Beauty Breakthroughs article I penned for Philadelphia Magazine.  But, to be honest, I didn't test it for seven days straight, so I really couldn't verify the better-lips-in-a-week claim.

But a few weeks ago, I was contacted by COVERGIRL – and they asked me to do just that. So I agreed to take the "LipPerfection Transformation Challenge" and wear nothing but LipPerfection on my lips for a week. Over the next seven days, I'll be chronicling my experience here, sharing my experience with the product. And this time, next week, I'll let you know whether or not to believe the hydration hype.

So for the first day of the challenge, I decided to go for the something out of my comfort zone. When I wear makeup, nine times out of ten, I wear lipgloss – and a nude/neutral one, at that. COVERGIRL sent me all 44 shades of LipPerfection, so I had a plethora of pretty shades to choose from.

Siren (left), Tempt (right)

I opted for a richly pigmented, bright pink called Siren. It applied very smoothly and felt comfortable on my lips. But after seeing my reflection in the mirror, I felt that it was a little light for my complexion. I was running late for work and didn't feel like taking it off and starting over – so I grabbed a wine shade, called Tempt, and layered it on top. The result was a gorgeous fuchsia that garnered a handful of compliments at work, and made me feel like a more polished version of myself.

My lips didn't feel or get dry, and I didn't feel the urge to swipe on lip balm throughout the day, like I usually do. And it gets better: my lipstick looked freshly applied all day long (even after lunch!) and even when it faded in the late afternoon, it left behind a uniform, intentional looking stain.

So far, so good. I'll be back in a few days for an update.

*COVERGIRL is compensating me for my time and participation in the LipPerfection Transformation Challenge; however, all opinions shared are my own.

Josie Maran Argan Slimline Lipstick with Gloss

I’m currently in love (okay, obsessed) with Josie Maran Argan Slimline Lipstick with Gloss. On one end, there’s a creamy and lipstick and on the other, there’s a super shiny, non-sticky, sheer gloss that just so happens to smell and taste like vanilla cupcakes. 

Formulated with Josie's signature ingredient, Argan Oil, the product provides moisturizing coverage and is available in three pretty pink shades (I own Rosey, a dusty rose).  I’m crossing my fingers that more colors are in the works because I would add each and every one to my collection. 

This double-ended multitasker is a makeup bag must have. 

Josie Maran Argan Slimline Lipstick with Gloss ($25) is sold exclusively at QVC.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick

I'm not really a lipstick gal. Don't get me wrong, I have hundreds of tubes of lipsticks, but I typically reserve them for special occasions. It's just that I feel more comfortable in a gloss. Plus I'm usually in a rush or on the go - so a lip product that's a little more forgiving that doesn't require a mirror to apply appeals to me.

As such, when I do reach for a lipstick, I love a sheerer finish...like MAC's lipsticks with the Lustre finish. Sheer Plum was my very first MAC purchase way back when...and Syrup, Spice It Up!, Polished Up, Cockney and Lady Bug rank among my other faves. Now, just in time for spring, MAC releases a new collection that's convinced me to give my glosses a temporary timeout: Sheen Supreme Lipstick.

Gloss is good, but there's nothing quite as wonderfully, worldly cinematic as a Lipstick – and they're coming back! We've updated formulas to make it all plausible. Sheen Supreme is the combination of the strong, sensually saturated colour of, say, Tilda Swinton's I Am Love Milanese Lipstick, leavened with the light feel and clear vibrancy, the see-through sheen of a modern New York City Girl Gloss. Imagine no muddy undertones, gliding in pearl or creme finish, moisturizing with no sticky/tacky feel.

The Sheen Supreme Lipstick shades include:

Bare Again: Pinky neutral beige

Behave Yourself: Light blue pink

Can't Get Enough: Beige neutral

Can't Resist: Golden purplish red

Full Speed: Bright clean yellow pink

Good to Be Bad: Deep burgundy

Gotta Dash!: Pale coral

Impressive: Neutral gilded plum

Insanely It: Watermelon pink

Look at Her!: Metallic copper

New Temptation: Vivid blue red

Quite the Thing!: Deep blue plum

Supremely Confident: Pale nude

Ultra Darling: Mid-tone yellow pink

If spring has you considering adopting a bright lip color, this is definitely the way to do it. A bold shade in a sheer formula is easier to wear than a creamy or matte texture. It's also fresh looking and seasonally chic.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick is $14.50 and available at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom, MAC stores and maccosmetics.com.

MAC Pink 4 Friday Collabo with Nicki Minaj

It's a Monster collaboration: Pink 4 Friday by MAC Cosmetics and Nicki Minaj.

The Trinidadian hip-hop diva has personally designed a limited edition MAC Lipstick, Pink Friday, to celebrate the release of her highly anticipated debut album of the same name. Putting her trademark barbz glamour twist on a bright, creamy pink satin formula, Nicki says, "MAC's Pink Nouveau was my favourite lipstick for years, but it's all about Pink Friday!”

Nicki's exclusive shade will only be available for purchase four Fridays beginning Friday, November 26, 2010, while supplies last, only at maccosmetics.com.

Available FRIDAYS November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17, 2010.

L'Oreal Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour Giveaway!!!

L’Oréal Paris celebrity spokespeople inspire women everyday to embrace quality, sophistication and, most importantly, to remember that they are worth it. To celebrate these leading ladies and the product that redefined long-wear lipcolor, L’Oréal Paris launches Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour, a new star-studded shade collection of Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour compacts personally selected by Beyoncé, Andie MacDowell, Diane Keaton, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate del Castillo and Linda Evangelista. This diverse group of women represents a range of ages, ethnicities and styles, ensuring all women can find a colour that makes them look and feel infallible.

Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour offers rich, vibrant color, a long-lasting, comfortable finish. The innovative packaging holds two formulas together – the liquid basecoat and the balm topcoat – in a single compact that’s a modern work of art. Though small enough to fit in the tiniest of evening bags, Infallible Lip’s packaging doesn’t compromise on convenience for size. It features a built-in mirror, which makes it possible to apply the lipcolour even on-the-go, a real benefit for transfer-proof lipstick that requires careful application.

6 Celebrity Shades – 16 Hours of Fresh, Comfortable Color

Beyoncé (Beyoncé's Red)
International performer Beyoncé chose a dazzling Red reflective of her vibrant career as singer, songwriter, producer, visionary stage talent and actress. With this shade, she dares women to embrace self expression.

Andie MacDowell (Andie's Rose)
Actress Andie MacDowell embodies the “Because You’re Worth It” spirit with her vivid, feminine Berry lipcolour that brings out the confidence of any woman at every age.

Diane Keaton (Diane's Tuberose)
Acclaimed actress and Hollywood icon Diane Keaton opted for a sophisticated Tuberose shade that brightens her skintone and invites every woman to achieve the luminous, healthy glow she deserves.

Eva Longoria Parker (Eva's Caramel)
Known for her sizzling looks on and off the screen, Eva Longoria Parker chose a rich Caramel that complements her beautiful, coppery skin tone. With this colour, she invites all women to indulge their sultry side.

Kate del Castillo (Kate's Plum)
Kate del Castillo, one of Mexico’s most acclaimed actresses and a new addition to the L’Oréal Paris family now starring in the U.S., opted for her first product collaboration to be a sensual Plum to showcase her signature pout – and all others – with instant glamour.

Linda Evangelista (Linda's Beige)
World renowned supermodel Linda Evangelista knows what's in vogue – a sophisticated Beige lip. This fashion-forward shade brings instant elegance to any look.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour Compact Collection is available at chain drug, food and mass market retailers for $11.99 each. But this week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with L'Oreal Paris and FIVE lucky winners will receive all six celeb-inspired shades!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky!

Contest is open to U.S. residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Sunday, August 15, 2010. Good luck!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Bright Lips For Spring

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hi Mario,

What is your favorite makeup trend for spring, and what products can women use to get that look? Thanks in advance.

Thanks,
Dawn

Hey Dawn,

One of my favorite trends for spring is bright lips! As an artist, I personally would use brighter lip colors more often then I get to. I'm liking bright colors in pink and orange, but I prefer a sheer formula. Here are a couple of universally flattering shades by MAC: Lipstick in Lustering and Vegas Volt. Both colors are sheer and give a beautiful pop of color to the face.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Your Perfect Nude Lip

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hi Mario,

If you're reading this, it means that you chose my question – which is so exciting!!! I am a big fan and am awed by your talent. I've been reading your column on Spoiled Pretty since it started, and have really improved as an amateur makeup artist. So thanks! Anyway, here is my question – I love the nude lip look, but I never know how to pull it off. How do I find my right shade of nude, and do you have any tools/techniques for pulling off the look? And can you recommend some of you all-time favorite nude lipsticks/glosses?

Your biggest fan,
Kirstie

Hey Kirstie,

Let me start out by saying that you're very sweet!

When choosing nude shades for your lips, you should keep a couple things in mind: light pinks look better on fare skin because they will most likely have too much white in them for darker complexions. Peachy/beige nudes look great on medium to darker skin tones because of the yellow pigments in them.

If your lips are naturally red or dark, pat some foundation on your lips first to block out the color so that the true lipstick shade shows. My fave nudes are Honolulu Honey Lipstick by NARS and Josie Maran Plumping Lip Gloss in Optimism.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Give Me Liberty Of London: The very latest in a series of famous MACollaborations, it was only a matter of time before the demure-to-daring kaleidoscopic prints of Liberty of London colored our world with Brit wit and bohemian chic.

From the unstudied, Sienna Miller style of Spitalfields Market to the grit and glamour of Portobello Road, the swinging London girl has always been an unstoppable MAC makeup force!

Spring 2010 blooms with the ultimate flower fusion as MAC joining forces with Liberty, creating cool Britannia compacts and Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Powder, Blush, Nail Lacquers and blushing, bountiful, quite British accessories.

Beauty Powder, $25
The luxurious, soft pearl finish of MAC Beauty Powder packaged in a glossy white compact. Lid is decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection.
Shell Pearl: Pale peach with gold pearl
Summer Rose: Soft violet pink with pearl

Eyeshadow, $14.50
Give Me Liberty of London: Flat creamy pink (Matte)
Free to Be: Creamy true coral (Matte)
Dame's Desire: Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (Frost)
Birds & Berries: Frosted dark green blue (Veluxe Pearl)
Bough Grey: Mid-tone bluish grey (Satin)

Lipstick, $14

Ever Hip: Creamy light coral (Cremesheen)
Peachstock: Neutral peach (Satin)
Petals & Peacocks: Creamy bright magenta pink (Amplified)
Blooming Lovely: Creamy greyed lilac mauve (Amplified)

Lipglass, $14

Frankly Fresh: Neutral pink beige with soft pearl
Perennial High Style: Creamy bright pink coral
English Accents: Creamy mid-tone blue pink
A Different Groove: Deep purple brown with pearl

Blush, $18.50
Dirty Plum: Sheer dark plum
Prim & Proper: Neutral nude

Nail Lacquer, $12
Vestral White Creamy white (Cream)
Blue India Dark green blue with pearl (Cream)

Liberty of London Makeup Bags, $22-25
Limited-edition laminated makeup bags decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull.

Liberty of London Scarf, $95
A limited-edition scarf designed with an exclusively created floral pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Rows of coral, orange, yellow and blue flowers form a repeating pattern on a white background. The fabric is a soft wool/viscose blend. Made in Italy. Measures 27″ x 82″.

Elizabeth Arden Anniversary Lipstick: Red Door Red

To commemorate 100 years of beauty innovation, Elizabeth Arden is celebrating with the launch of the new Limited Edition Anniversary Lipstick.

A universally flattering, sheer lipstick, the Red Door Red hue stylishly represents strength and femininity – a beautiful way to pay tribute the Elizabeth Arden woman.

In honor of Miss Arden's belief in the importance of total beauty, Elizabeth Arden is proud to donate all of the proceeds from the lipstick to Look Good … Feel Better®. This community-based, free, national service teaches female cancer patients beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Packaged in a luxurious gold case that calls to mind the glamour and drama of 1940s makeup, the lipstick offers a triple-emollient moisturizing formula that contains vitamins A, C and E, along with aloe, to instantly hydrate lips and cushion them for total comfort.

By purchasing the Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Anniversary Red Door Red Lipstick, you’ll not only take part in celebrating our fabulous years of beauty, but you'll be helping women to look good, feel better and enjoy life.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Red Lipstick

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hi Mario,

I love all the work you do. I really enjoy your "Get the Face" posts on your blog. My question is: What is the best way to apply red lipstick and how do you stop it from bleeding?

Thanks,
Priscilla


Hi Priscilla,

There are a few great tips that I can share with you when it comes to applying red lipstick. First, line your lips with a matte pencil that is similar to the lipstick color or darker. Using a triangular shaped sponge, dip it into loose translucent powder and apply it right below the outer corner of the lip line. Don’t blend the powder yet as that will be last. This will prevent the lipstick from bleeding. Apply the red lipstick using a lip brush and make sure to fill the lips in completely. Take a tissue and blot your lips - that should absorb some of the lipstick, leaving a sort of stained effect on the lips. Apply one more coat of lipstick, then sweep away the loose powder from below…and now you're good to go. Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario.

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection

Clueless with Color?
Give Bobbi Brown 5 Minutes.
She’ll Make You a Pro.

The Problem: You buy shadows that look amazing in the store, but then you get home and don’t know what to do with them.

The Fix: Everyone can wear bright shades. Bobbi put together these three palettes with pops of color - plus the perfect neutrals that make them work for everyone.

Introducing Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection: a complete spring eye, lip and cheek wardrobe - designed by Bobbi. Each of these three palettes has five Eye Shadows and three shades of Pot Rouge designed to work together beautifully.

"Don’t be afraid of color. Each palette has one bright eye shadow that really stands out - the rest of my hand-picked shades for eyes, lips and cheeks will make it wearable." –Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Color Strips palettes: Aquamarine (top); Orchid (middle); Bonfire (bottom)

Suggested Retail Price: $60.00
On Counter: March 2010
Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on bobbibrown.com

MAC Viva Glam Cyndi and Viva Glam Gaga

Meet the new voices of VIVA GLAM…Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. They love lipstick. They love fashion. They want girls all over the world to have fun, but safely, with eyes wide open to the facts and fictions about women and HIV/AIDS.

Sizzling, sensuous and self-created the ladies are channeling their high-voltage diva energy for VIVA GLAM and igniting From Our Lips - the new MAC Cosmetics VIVA GLAM campaign. In honor of all of the women who are living with the HIV/AIDS virus, and those working to curb its spread, the MAC AIDS Fund will announce $2.5 million in new donations to fund model programs that address the vulnerabilities and inequities that place women at increased risk for HIV/AIDS.

Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper are visible and vocal, using their star power to inspire everyone to make a difference by purchasing the VIVA GLAM lipstick that bears their signature. With every cent of each VIVA GLAM going towards the MAC AIDS Fund, this is a lipstick that has the power to change the world. With the dynamic energy of these two new spokespeople the MAC AIDS Fund, having already raised over $150 Million to combat HIV/AIDS, is giving a voice and support to women – of All Ages, All Races, All Sexes and from all walks of life.

"I think it’s absolutely insane that some people have fewer rights than others, and I'm grateful that MAC has decided to focus on women while I'm a VIVA GLAM Spokesperson. I have so much to say and so much to share, and I’m going to let my lips and lipstick do the talking!" -Cyndi Lauper

"I've been familiar with the campaign and have been wearing MAC since I was ten years old. To be joining the likes of iconic former VIVA GLAM spokespeople is an honor. My new VIVA GLAM lipstick color is amazing. It's very me - a bluish pink, great for everyday, a little bit '80s. I hope that women buy this lipstick, and honor themselves and honor the cause." -Lady Gaga

Viva Glam Gaga: Light blue pink (Lustre)
Viva Glam Cyndi: Light coral red (Lustre)

New York Fashion Week Fall 2010: Red Lip Trend

My gal Amber over at Daily Makeover shares one of the hottest trends for fall 2010. Are you red-y?

Lipstick lovers always look forward to fall because it's the season of the bold lip. If you're not yet ready to plunge into the deep hues of the glampire beauty trend, there are many interpretations of the more classic crimson look. Oh, and stop making fun of your mother about her lip pencil: The formerly eschewed makeup implement is making a major comeback this fall. Get your sharpeners ready: Here are our favorite red lip looks of the season.

At Richard Chai, Gucci Westman for Revlon keyed makeup. Lips were defined with new-for-fall Revlon Suede Rhapsody Multi-Use Palette, set to launch in September 2010. First, Gucci applied ColorStay Lip Liner in Red all over the lip as a base, then painted on the deeper red lipstick from the palette which created a matte effect. "The clothes don't have a lot of color, so I felt a pop of pigment was needed on the lips," explains Westman.

China dolls were the beauty inspiration at Vivienne Tam, where makeup lead Charlotte Willer for Maybelline created a bright defined red lip look that was tempered by fresh skin and punctuated by a defined brow. To get such a precise defined lip look, Willer lined and filled lips in with Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner in 50 Red, a gorgeous garnet. "It's an Asian red, which echoes Vivienne's collection," Willer explained. The color and texture was perfect--no additional lipstick was used.

Another stunning, sculpted red lip took center stage at Herve Léger, as it's known to do - this is no understudy red. Lisa Butler for MAC cosmetics created a strong, matte lip with MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger, a cult favorite orange-red. Gals with pink skin tones need not shy away from this warm red. Per Butler, "Simply toning down the pinkness in the cheeks with a bit of foundation and skipping blush will prepare even a cooler-complexioned girl for this type of yellow-based red."

Related Articles:
Vampire Inspired Fashion Week
Fashion Week: The Bold And The Beautiful

Gwen Stefani Talks Beauty Backstage At LAMB

Stellar Beauties Float Down The Runway

Give Yourself A Virtual Makeover

Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

Problem: You love coral, but worry it'll look too bright or chalky.

Solution: Bobbi's modern formulas and juicy colors take an old-fashioned favorite for a fresh, modern spin. Introducing Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals collection.

"This spring, there is a beautiful selection of coral shades perfect for lips and cheeks. The shade range spans from fresh new Pink Corals to universal Nude Corals to true Coral shades - every woman can find the coral shade that’s right for her." -Bobbi Brown

Metallic Lip Color, $22
Metallic Lip Color is made with a unique combination of high-shine emollients and
light-reflective pearls for medium coverage with multi-dimensional shimmer. Available
in three new shades: Coral Reef, Coral Glaze and Calypso Glaze.

Lip Color, $22
Bobbi's classic lipstick: rich, full coverage with a soft matte finish. Available in two new shades: Cabo Coral and Guava.

Shimmer Lip Gloss, $20
Infused with subtle sparkle, Shimmer Lip Gloss is perfect worn on its own or over your favorite lipstick. Aloe extract soothes, Vitamins C and E offer anti-oxidant protection, and Jojoba and Avocado Oils keep lips soft and moisturized. Available in three new colors: Sunset Beach, Coral Sand and Golden Nectar.

Cabo Coral Pot Rouge, $22
Bobbi's purse-friendly Pot Rouge - now in a new sunny shade of coral. Creamy and easy to blend - pat on lips and cheeks for a beachy pop of color.

Shimmer Bricks, $38
Bobbi's iconic Shimmer Brick Compacts are hand-made in Italy and have five bars of luxe, pearlized pigment for a shimmering glow. Run the Face Blender Brush across all five bars and lightly dust over cheeks and forehead, or brush on eyes for subtle glimmer. Available in two new shades: Nectar and Pink Quartz.

Follow Bobbi Brown on Twitter @AskBobbiBrown.